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How to Set Up a Raspberry Pi in 2026: Imager, Wi-Fi, and SSH

For most Raspberry Pi 3, 4, 5, 400, 500, or Zero 2 W systems, install the current 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS with Raspberry Pi Imager. Configure the username, Wi-Fi, hostname, timezone, and SSH key in Imager before writing the storage device; this avoids relying on retired default credentials or an unconfigured headless first boot.

Quick answer: Raspberry Pi setup

Use Raspberry Pi Imager, select the correct board and 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, set Wi-Fi and a unique user during customisation, enable SSH keys for headless access, verify the written media, then update and test the first boot.

Raspberry Pi setup checklist

  1. Confirm your Raspberry Pi model and choose a suitable power supply.
  2. Install the latest Raspberry Pi Imager on another computer.
  3. Select the exact Raspberry Pi device in Imager.
  4. Choose Raspberry Pi OS with desktop, or Raspberry Pi OS Lite for a server.
  5. Open OS customisation and set hostname, user, locale, and Wi-Fi.
  6. For headless use, enable SSH and select public-key authentication.
  7. Write and verify the microSD card, USB SSD, or NVMe device.
  8. Boot the Raspberry Pi and find it by hostname or from your router.
  9. Update the OS and firmware packages through APT.
  10. Verify power, storage, network, time, and remote access before installing an application.

There is no universal pi user or raspberry password on a current fresh installation. Create your own account in Imager or during the first-boot wizard.

If a headless system does not appear after first boot, use the interactive headless setup troubleshooter to distinguish power, boot, network, name-resolution, SSH, and key-authentication failures.

Choosing an Operating System

Raspberry Pi supports several operating systems, each with different strengths:

OS Description Best For
Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) Official OS with 64-bit architecture Modern Pi models (3/4/5/Zero 2), best performance and Docker support
Raspberry Pi OS (32-bit) Official OS for legacy 32-bit CPUs Older models (Pi 1/2/Zero) or memory-constrained setups
Raspberry Pi OS Lite Minimal version without desktop Headless servers, IoT, and resource-constrained setups (CLI only)
Ubuntu Server Enterprise-grade server OS Containerized workloads, Docker, and developer environments
RetroPie Gaming and emulation platform Retro gaming consoles
LibreELEC Media center focused Home theater systems

For beginners, Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) is highly recommended if you are using a Raspberry Pi 3, 4, 5, or Zero 2 W. It offers the best performance, modern software compatibility, and full support for containers. Use the 32-bit version only if you are using older hardware (like the original Raspberry Pi 1, 2, or Zero/Zero W).

Installing the Operating System

The Raspberry Pi Imager is the easiest way to install an operating system on your microSD card.

  1. Download Raspberry Pi Imager

    • Visit the official website
    • Download and install the appropriate version for your computer

  2. Install Raspberry Pi Imager

    • On Windows/Mac: Run the installer
    • On Linux (Debian/Ubuntu): 
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      sudo apt install rpi-imager

  3. Write the OS to SD Card

    • Insert your microSD card into your computer
    • Launch Raspberry Pi Imager
    • Click "Choose OS" and select your preferred Raspberry Pi OS version
    • Click "Choose Storage" and select your microSD card
    • Click the gear icon (⚙️) to access advanced options:
      • Set hostname (e.g., raspberrypi)
      • Enable SSH (for headless setup)
      • Configure Wi-Fi (for headless setup)
      • Set username and password
      • Configure locale settings
    • Click "Write" and wait for the process to complete
    • Remove the SD card when prompted

Method 2: Use a downloaded image in Imager

If you need a specific official image:

  1. Download it from Raspberry Pi OS Downloads.
  2. Compare the published checksum when one is provided.
  3. In Imager, choose Use custom and select the downloaded image.
  4. Apply OS customisation before writing it.
  5. Let Imager verify the completed write.

Avoid a raw dd command in a beginner workflow: selecting the wrong block device can overwrite unrelated storage, and it does not provide Imager's integrated customisation and verification flow.

Raspberry Pi OS Trixie uses NetworkManager. Old tutorials that copy wpa_supplicant.conf or an unreviewed connection profile onto bootfs do not describe the current supported first-boot workflow. For fleet images, use a documented provisioning system such as rpi-image-gen; for an individual system, use Imager.

First Boot Setup

Standard Setup (With Monitor)

  1. Insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi
  2. Connect peripherals: HDMI display, keyboard, mouse, and power
  3. Power on your Raspberry Pi
  4. Complete the Welcome Wizard:
    • Set country, language, and timezone
    • Confirm the user account created in Imager or create one in the wizard
    • Configure Wi-Fi if not already set
    • Update software when prompted

Headless Setup (Without Monitor)

  1. Insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi
  2. Connect network: Either Ethernet cable or pre-configured Wi-Fi
  3. Power on your Raspberry Pi

  4. Find your Pi's IP address using one of these methods:

    • Check your router's connected devices list
    • Use a network scanner like nmap: 
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      sudo nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24  # Adjust to your network range
    • Use multicast DNS (if supported): ping raspberrypi.local

  5. Connect via SSH:

    • On Windows: Use PuTTY or Windows Terminal
    • On macOS/Linux: Use Terminal 
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      ssh username@raspberrypi.local  # If using mDNS
# OR
ssh username@192.168.1.X  # Replace with your Pi's IP address
    • A current Raspberry Pi OS image has no universal default username or password. Sign in with the account created in Imager or the first-boot wizard. If no account was created, re-image the storage device rather than trying retired pi / raspberry credentials.

System Updates and Package Installation

Always update your system after the first boot:

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# Update package list and upgrade system
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

# Install commonly used packages (customize as needed)
sudo apt install -y git python3-pip vim htop neofetch

Post-Installation Configuration

Essential Security Settings

  1. Change Default Password (if you haven't already): 

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    passwd

  2. Enable SSH (if not already enabled): 

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    sudo raspi-config
# Navigate to Interface Options > SSH > Enable

  3. Configure Firewall: 

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    sudo apt install ufw
sudo ufw allow ssh
sudo ufw enable

  4. Update System Firmware (Only if necessary):

    [!CAUTION] Do NOT use sudo rpi-update for routine updates. This tool installs bleeding-edge, experimental pre-release kernels and firmware that can make your system unstable or unbootable.

    For stable and safe firmware updates, always use the standard package manager: 

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    sudo apt update
sudo apt install --only-upgrade raspberrypi-kernel raspberrypi-bootloader
sudo reboot

System Optimization

  1. Configure Memory Split (for desktop vs. GPU): 

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    sudo raspi-config
# Navigate to Performance Options > GPU Memory
# For headless servers: 16MB
# For desktop use: 128MB or higher
# For gaming/media: 256MB or higher

  2. Enable Hardware Acceleration (for media playback): 

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    sudo raspi-config
# Navigate to Advanced Options > GL Driver > GL (Fake KMS)

  3. Overclocking (optional, for advanced users): 

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    sudo raspi-config
# Navigate to Performance Options > Overclock
    Warning: Overclocking may reduce the lifespan of your Pi and requires adequate cooling.

Configure Display and Locale Settings

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sudo raspi-config
# Navigate to Localisation Options to set:
# - Locale
# - Timezone
# - Keyboard layout
# - WLAN Country (important for Wi-Fi compliance)

Enable Additional Interfaces

Enable hardware interfaces you plan to use:

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sudo raspi-config
# Navigate to Interface Options to enable:
# - Camera
# - SPI
# - I2C
# - 1-Wire
# - Remote GPIO

Desktop Environment Customization

If you're using Raspberry Pi OS with desktop:

  1. Change Theme:

    • Right-click on desktop > Appearance Settings

  2. Configure Panels and Menus:

    • Right-click on panel > Panel Settings

  3. Install Additional Software: 

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    # For common programming tools
sudo apt install -y build-essential python3-dev

# For media playback
sudo apt install -y vlc

# For office applications
sudo apt install -y libreoffice

Backup Your Configuration

Once you've completed your setup, consider backing up your SD card:

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# On another Linux machine:
sudo dd bs=4M if=/dev/sdX of=~/raspberry_pi_backup.img status=progress

Or use tools like PiShrink to create compressed backups.

Troubleshooting First Boot Issues

No Display Output

  • Check HDMI connection
  • Try a different HDMI cable
  • Edit config.txt on the SD card (from another computer) and add: 
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    hdmi_force_hotplug=1
hdmi_drive=2

Cannot Connect via SSH

  • Verify SSH is enabled
  • Check network connection
  • Ensure firewall allows SSH connections
  • Confirm correct IP address or hostname

Wi-Fi Not Connecting

  • Verify the active NetworkManager profile with nmcli connection show
  • Scan with nmcli device wifi list and inspect journalctl -b -u NetworkManager
  • Check country code setting
  • Confirm that the Raspberry Pi model supports the selected 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band

Boot Process Hangs

  • Use a high-quality power supply (official recommended)
  • Check for SD card corruption
  • Try a fresh OS installation

Next Steps

After completing the initial setup, you might want to:

Welcome to the Raspberry Pi community! With your device now set up, you're ready to explore the exciting possibilities of this versatile computing platform.